Archive for 'ForestryTas'
More transparency in financial reporting – 2 September, 2010
Posted on 06. Sep, 2010 by Editor.
A new independent valuation of State forest assets will improve the transparency of Forestry Tasmania’s true financial performance.
The revaluation was initiated by the Board of Forestry Tasmania after the Legislative Council last year suggested greater transparency would be achieved by separating FT’s commercial activities from the non-commercial obligations imposed on it by the Forestry Act.
The Auditor General also raised the issue while auditing FT’s financial performance.
Managing Director Bob Gordon said the American based firm James W Sewall, which has significant experience and expertise in forestry valuations in Australasia, was appointed to undertake the review early this year.
Mr Gordon said the review found the valuation of the forest estate should be based on the value of the standing timber rather than the previous convention of using a combination of the value of the standing timber and the value of the land with roads reported separately.
“FT’s directors have accepted Sewall’s recommendation and as a consequence, the book value of land managed by FT has been set at zero, down from $277m. The zero valuation recognises that the land is not owned, merely managed by FT.
Mr Gordon said the consultants also recommended formal reserves and areas set aside for special species management should be recorded as a liability rather than an asset.
“By accepting Sewall’s recommendations, FT’s directors have agreed to write down about $300m in asset value, most of which is attributed to no longer using land values. This will be reflected in the annual accounts.”
“Sewall set the value of FT’s production forest at $362.5m, based on the commercial value of the standing timber.
“However, the formal forest reserves and the special timber zones are recorded as a $66m liability, because these areas cost more to manage than the amount that can be re-couped through commercial activity.”
“In annual terms, the $66m liability translates into an operating cost each year of about $9.3m.”
Mr Gordon said it was important to draw a distinction between the financial cost to FT and the economic and social benefit to Tasmania.
“While these reserves and special timber areas might be a financial cost to FT, they deliver significant economic and social outcomes for Tasmania.
“For example, special species timbers are iconic to Tasmania and a recent report estimated special species timber contributed $70m and 2000 direct jobs to the state economy.
“Likewise, the reserves generate tourism activity and are highly prized by campers, bushwalkers, mountain bikers and a range of other recreational users.
“By attributing more realistic asset values to the commercial and non-commercial assets, parliamentarians and the community more generally will have a clearer picture of FT’s financial performance and its return on assets.”
Mr Gordon said he appreciated that some in the community might see the revaluation as little more than an exercise in accounting – but from the Board’s perspective, it is fundamental to good corporate governance that a government business enterprise’s assets are correctly valued.
ENDS
2nd September, 2010
Download Documents:
Valuation of State forest, August 2010 [powerpoint converted to PDF]
Sewell Appraisal Letter [79kb PDF]
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Eagles Eyrie recognised with excellence award
Posted on 02. Sep, 2010 by Editor.
Forestry Tasmania’s Eagles Eyrie at Maydena has been recognised with an excellence award at the Master Builders Tasmania awards. Vos Construction & Joinery who constructed the Eagles Eyrie were awarded the ‘Excellence in New Construction $1 million – $2 million (commercial) Award’ for their work on the Eyrie.
The award recognises the quality of workmanship in construction of the breathtaking Eagles Eyrie building.
Forestry Tasmania’s General Manager Corporate Relations and Tourism Ken Jeffreys said the Eagles Eyrie was a spectacular building, built to take advantage of the breathtakingly wild natural environment atop Abbotts Peak.
“The architecturally designed Eagles Eyrie is a unique structure that has been built with a range of angled observation rooms and timber decking to reflect the dramatic landscape that it has been built on.
“The Eyrie fits neatly into the saddle at Abbotts Lookout with minimum intrusion on the skyline and provides stunning views over the Styx, Florentine and Tyenna forests.”
Mr Jeffreys said that construction of the building would have been no easy feat for Vos Construction and is a testament to the commitment of the workers who assisted with the building’s construction.
“The unique remote location and wild natural environment surrounding the site combined with limited access to the summit and wind ratings upwards of 200 kilometres per hour would have provided a challenge for any construction company.”
Tours to the award winning Eagles Eyrie are available year round and include a trip on the Railtrack Rider, a journey through the Styx Big Tree Reserve and fine wine and food prepared by iconic Tasmanian chef Waji.
More information is available at www.adventureforests.com.au or call 1300 720 507
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Free Science Week presentation on DVD
Posted on 29. Aug, 2010 by Editor.
Carbon scientist Dr Martin Moroni’s Forestry Talk about climate change and the carbon cycle is available now, free on DVD.
Martin’s special presentation for National Science Week was by far the most popular Forestry Talk held in our long running series, and stimulated lively debate amongst the 100+ people who attended. His depth of knowledge on the issue of climate change provided a springboard for discussing the effects of industrialisation on the carbon cycle, and the possible impacts for all of us if we do not take steps to address the increase in atmospheric CO2.
Martin also noted that the current contention by some activists that forestry is contributing to climate change is misguided. Unlike all other sectors of the Australian economy, forestry is recognised by credible sources as a carbon-positive industry.
The DVD of Martin’s talk is available free of charge, and is an essential resource for anyone interested in the science of climate change. Order your copy now by clicking here.
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State’s top footballers battle it out in the Forestry Tasmania Final Series
Posted on 25. Aug, 2010 by Editor.
Tasmania’s football league will see the top teams from around the state play off in the Forestry Tasmania Premier League Final Series, which starts this weekend.
Round one of the finals series will commence on Saturday 28th August where the state’s four leading northern clubs play the four top clubs from the south.
Come out and support Tasmanian Football as the state’s best players compete for the title of State Champions.
Round 1, Forestry Tasmania Finals Series
South Hobart v Riverside Olympic
Venue: South Hobart at 2pm
Northern Rangers v Clarence United
Venue: NTCA at 2pm
Devonport City v Glenorchy Knights
Venue: Valley Road at 2pm
Tilford Zebras v Burnie United
Venue: KGV Park at 6pm
After the success of the inaugural statewide Final Series, the championships have been cemented in the football calendar again in 2010 and will also include a Womens series this year.
The Mens and Womens Final Series will run over three consecutive weekends with the second round of finals scheduled for next weekend, September 4th and 5th and the Grand Finals due to be played at KGV Park in Hobart on Saturday, September 11th.
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Top of the World Tours
Posted on 25. Aug, 2010 by Editor.
Top of the World Tours begin at Maydena.
Forestry Tasmania’s Maydena Adventure Hub Manager Richard Skinner said the tours offer a unique way to see and experience Tasmania during the winter months. He said they appeal to those who wanted a special encounter with the state’s rugged terrain and world famous forests.
“These intimate tours will involve the chance to experience snow first hand together with spectacular views of Tasmania’s snow capped mountain peaks which can be taken in from the fireside comfort of the Eagles Eyrie at Abbotts Peak,” he said.
“The sensory experience will be further enhanced by indulging in fine Tasmanian cool climate wines from the award winning Meadowbank Estate Winery and appetising cuisine prepared by leading Tasmanian chef Waji Spiby using fresh local and seasonal produce.”
Top of the World tours will leave from the Maydena Adventure Hub.
“The action will then begin with an invigorating fun filled two kilometre ride in the rainforest along Derwent Valley railway track on Australia’s first pedal powered rail rider.
“This will be followed by a four wheel drive to the Styx Big Tree Reserve for an encounter with some of the tallest hardwoods in the world in their majestic old-growth forest environment.”
The 12 seater Maydena OKA will then take passengers through a range of forest types on the way to the summit of Abbotts Peak. Along the way there’ll be a stop for snow play – with the chance to build a snowman, make a snow angel and throw snowballs.
Numbers for the tours will be limited and as such, people interested in embarking on a Top of the World Snow Tour are encouraged to register their interest by phoning 1300 720 507.
“Anyone interested in taking part in a snow tour should register their details with our staff and once the snow falls, we will contact them to arrange their tour,” Mr Skinner said.
More information is available at www.adventureforests.com.au
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National Science Week 2010 at the Tahune AirWalk
Posted on 21. Aug, 2010 by Editor.
More than 700 schoolchildren will use their senses to find out what makes a forest tick when they visit the Warra research centre and Tahune AirWalk this week as part of Science Week activities, which begin today.
Forest Conservation Biologist Dr Simon Grove said the school children would not only meet with some of Forestry Tasmania’s 50 scientists and discover more about the work they do, but they would also be able to immerse themselves in the forest environment.
“The experience involves more than just what they will see,” he said. “It’s also about hearing the different bird calls and the wind in the trees. They will be able to touch and feel different textures of bark, fungi and mosses; smell sassafras leaves, leaf litter, logs, mosses and liverworts; and even taste pepperberry. “And they will be able to use their detective skills to develop their own understanding of what makes a forest tick.”
Dr Grove said the children would learn about the role of wildfires and floods in generating the forest and how the forest is not just about growth but also decay. They will discover that thousands of forest species are involved in ‘recycling’, mostly small insects that are shy of humans and fungi.
The children will also be able to experience all that the Tahune AirWalk site has to offer as one of Tasmania’s most popular tourist attractions. “They can walk along the 597 metre AirWalk through the three-storey high wet forest canopy and experience the thrill of being suspended 48 metres above the confluence of the Picton and Huon Rivers,” Dr Grove said.
“On the ground they can follow the 20 minute Huon pine loop track which takes them past young Huon pines regenerating along the riverbank through to specimens that are more than 2000 years old. “The historic McKay’s Track is set along the river’s edge, giving the opportunity to experience the Huon and Picton Rivers up close. It includes a walk directly over the rivers on two swinging bridges suspended from the riverbanks.”
Pictured above is Forest Health Officer, Leonie Jordan with students on the Huon Pine Walk at the Tahune AirWalk.
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Harvesting levels returning to normal
Posted on 17. Aug, 2010 by Editor.
Forestry Tasmania has predicted payments to contractors will continue to rise as the industry emerges from the global downturn.
General Manager Operations Paul Smith said FT had been successful in securing new markets for Tasmanian timber and production levels are returning to normal.
“In recognition of the recovery, Forestry Tasmania has more than doubled the premium it is paying contractors to prepare logs for export.
“As a result of negotiations with the Tasmania Forest Contractors Association, the premium has increased from $1 a tonne to $2.50 per tonne, and a further increase is anticipated in September.
“The premium is on top of the rate contractors already receive for harvesting and transporting the pulplogs and is in recognition of the additional work involved in processing the logs, including gangnail, endplating and cutting the logs to specified lengths for export.
Mr Smith questioned the motives of Green MP Kim Booth, who has claimed FT is taking advantage of contractors.
“The opposite is true. We have worked our butts off to find new markets, principally to keep contractors in work.
“Mr Booth has consistently claimed that there is no market for Tasmanian wood. That is demonstrably untrue, and we suspect his latest allegations are an attempt to stymie further sales into China.
“Our efforts to secure new markets have been successful, and the prospects of continued sales are strong.
“Forestry Tasmania’s forecast production and markets for 2010/11 indicate a return to normal market conditions, in terms of quantity, although the current prices in these markets are lower than those that have been achieved in previous years in the Japanese market.
“Forestry Tasmania has despatched three shipments of export peeler logs to China, since May 2010, and has further shipments planned.
“In addition, two of Forestry Tasmania’s woodchip customers have despatched several shipments of hardwood woodchips to China over the past six months.
“These shipments to China have provided some relief for harvesting and transport contractors, enabling business activity to remain higher than would otherwise be the case.
“In each case, these markets have enabled Forestry Tasmania to shield its contractors from the full extent of the impact of the overall reduced demand over the past eighteen months.
“For example, Forestry Tasmania’s harvest and transport contractors operated at an average of 76% of normal production over the twelve months to end June 2010. This was much better than the overall industry average over that period.”
Mr Smith said one of the challenges now was to restore contractor confidence in the industry.
“There is evidence that some contractors are waiting to see whether their claim for government assistance will be successful, and whether the industry and green groups are able to negotiate a resolution.
“Until those issues are decided, some contractors are unwilling to invest in equipment upgrades or to employ extra staff.”
“However, some form of interim relief may be required, to assist those contractors through the current difficulties.
“Forestry Tasmania is available to work with all sectors of the industry to develop a proposal that supports the sector and that builds confidence within the relevant businesses and amongst key financiers,” Mr Smith said
END
12th August, 2010
Media inquiries:
Corporate Relations
Ph: 6235 8249
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Harvesting levels returning to normal
Posted on 17. Aug, 2010 by Editor.
Forestry Tasmania has predicted payments to contractors will continue to rise as the industry emerges from the global downturn.
General Manager Operations Paul Smith said FT had been successful in securing new markets for Tasmanian timber and production levels are returning to normal.
“In recognition of the recovery, Forestry Tasmania has more than doubled the premium it is paying contractors to prepare logs for export.
“As a result of negotiations with the Tasmania Forest Contractors Association, the premium has increased from $1 a tonne to $2.50 per tonne, and a further increase is anticipated in September.
“The premium is on top of the rate contractors already receive for harvesting and transporting the pulplogs and is in recognition of the additional work involved in processing the logs, including gangnail, endplating and cutting the logs to specified lengths for export.
Mr Smith questioned the motives of Green MP Kim Booth, who has claimed FT is taking advantage of contractors.
“The opposite is true. We have worked our butts off to find new markets, principally to keep contractors in work.
“Mr Booth has consistently claimed that there is no market for Tasmanian wood. That is demonstrably untrue, and we suspect his latest allegations are an attempt to stymie further sales into China.
“Our efforts to secure new markets have been successful, and the prospects of continued sales are strong.
“Forestry Tasmania’s forecast production and markets for 2010/11 indicate a return to normal market conditions, in terms of quantity, although the current prices in these markets are lower than those that have been achieved in previous years in the Japanese market.
“Forestry Tasmania has despatched three shipments of export peeler logs to China, since May 2010, and has further shipments planned.
“In addition, two of Forestry Tasmania’s woodchip customers have despatched several shipments of hardwood woodchips to China over the past six months.
“These shipments to China have provided some relief for harvesting and transport contractors, enabling business activity to remain higher than would otherwise be the case.
“In each case, these markets have enabled Forestry Tasmania to shield its contractors from the full extent of the impact of the overall reduced demand over the past eighteen months.
“For example, Forestry Tasmania’s harvest and transport contractors operated at an average of 76% of normal production over the twelve months to end June 2010. This was much better than the overall industry average over that period.”
Mr Smith said one of the challenges now was to restore contractor confidence in the industry.
“There is evidence that some contractors are waiting to see whether their claim for government assistance will be successful, and whether the industry and green groups are able to negotiate a resolution.
“Until those issues are decided, some contractors are unwilling to invest in equipment upgrades or to employ extra staff.”
“However, some form of interim relief may be required, to assist those contractors through the current difficulties.
“Forestry Tasmania is available to work with all sectors of the industry to develop a proposal that supports the sector and that builds confidence within the relevant businesses and amongst key financiers,” Mr Smith said
END
12th August, 2010
Media inquiries:
Corporate Relations
Ph: 6235 8249
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Fire and carbon
Posted on 13. Aug, 2010 by Editor.
FIRE and carbon are at the heart of forest management in Tasmania but are often misunderstood due to complex nature of eucalypt forests.
The way in which the two elements are linked is detailed in the Forestry Tasmania report Fire and Carbon in Managed and Unmanaged Forests.
Division of Forest Research and Development Chief Scientist Dr Steve Read said fire was the dominant controlling ecological force within eucalypt forests.
“Eucalypts have evolved with fire over millions of years, developing flammable oils and hanging strips of bark as well as adaptations to survive fire,” he said.
“This adaptation makes for efficient and effective sustainable timber harvesting. Many species can regenerate without replanting, and a complex and biologically diverse and resilient forest ecosystem can develop without further intervention.”
Dr Read said inadequate levels of fire could cause significant ecological changes and in managed native forests had been linked to forest health issues such as dieback and chronic decline of eucalypts.
Prescribed burns can have a patchy impact, with areas within burn boundaries often left unburnt.
“This can have beneficial ecological consequences as in general diverse landscapes are healthy and ecologically resilient,” Dr Read said.
“Variability across the landscape can also be achieved through a mix of coupes and unburnt reserves.”
Dr Read said managing solely for old-growth forest would not necessarily give the maximum reduction of atmospheric carbon.
“Old-growth forests have the lowest sequestration rate of any forest stage,” he said.
“Old-growth forests also have the largest emissions when they burn and do not offer the chance to accumulate wood products.”
Dr Read said the absence of smaller controlled fires could increase the risk of future large scale wildfires which release large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. It is estimated that 150 million tonnes of carbon were added to the atmosphere in the 2003 and 2006/7 wildfires in Victoria, with similarly large amounts being released from wildfire annually in the United States.
“On the other hand management involving short-term carbon loss, such as thinning or fuel-reduction burning, can decrease the intensity of subsequent large fires and lead to smaller carbon emissions over the long-term,” Dr Read said.
To read the full Fire and Carbon in Managed and Unmanaged Forests report or to read a summary of the report see links below.
Download links to reports below:
1/ Fire and Carbon in Managed and Unmanaged Forests report [1,147 kb PDF]
2/ Report summary
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Forestry carbon solution
Posted on 13. Aug, 2010 by Editor.
Forestry Tasmania’s sustainable management practices and its role in helping to reduce the rate of climate change have been reinforced by the findings of an international study.
By Hans Drielsma Executive General Manager
Commissioned by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA) the study examines the positive role forest products have on global carbon balance.
It shows that carbon stocks are stable or increasing in sustainably managed and certified production forests and that forest based biomass energy could significantly reduce carbon emissions.
The Impact of the Global Forestry Industry on Atmospheric Greenhouse Gases report concludes that many forestry companies increase carbon stocks in forests or help avoid their decline by:
• using sustainable management practices in production forests
• participating in chain-of-custody programs
• establishing forests in areas not previously forested
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| Hans Drielsma |
This is in line with Forestry Tasmania’s management of state forests to sustain biodiversity, jobs, healthy forests, community access and science based stewardship. State forests are growing faster than they are being harvested and each year they absorb 24 per cent of Tasmania’s carbon emissions.
Wood products from state forests are certified to Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) and endorsed internationally through PEFC. The certification provides secure chain-of-custody and labelling systems for verification of wood origins through the supply chain to final customers.
The analysis in the report strongly supports the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assertion that sustainable management of production forests is an important option for climate change mitigation over the long term.
The study found that wood markets encourage landowners to keep land under forest, thus helping to avoid large-scale losses of carbon to the atmosphere through land-use change.
It indicates that, as in Tasmania, carbon stocks are generally stable or increasing in sustainably managed and certified production forests in North America and the European Union which account for 69 percent of global industrial roundwood production.
Forests remove carbon from the atmosphere and it is also stored for long periods in wood products such as those used in the construction industry, furniture and craft items and even in paper.
Wood products have a much lighter carbon footprint than products like concrete, aluminium and steel. They can also be used to decrease emissions by replacing fossil fuels.
It is estimated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that forest biomass energy could reduce global emissions by between 400 million and 4.4 billion tonnes of carbon equivalent per year.
In Tasmania a biomass station presents the opportunity to reduce smoke by up to 70 per cent, while making productive use of 250,000 tonnes per year of currently unsaleable wood from harvested areas.
Click to view the Impact of the Global Forestry Industry on Atmospheric Greenhouse Gases report.
11 August, 2010
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